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Wednesday, July 10, 2013

The Business Woman: God's Woman

Instagram is full of inspirational messages, screenshots and repost of messages to inspire, daily recipes for healthy living, and challenges to make life greater. We find inspiration in social media, but yet we don't take the time to study God's word to find inspiration. Today in my quiet time, I was led to study about Lydia.

Unfamiliar with her I was excited to dig in deep and learn more about her importance and what lessons I could learn from her. Instantly, I was drawn in by her business-savy-entreprenuer lifestyle. The bible depicts her life by: speaking of her home to be large enough to host church, her business of selling fine clothing of unique styles to be one without parallel to other "designers", and even noting that she had others who worked for her. If Lydia was a modern lady, we could compare her to a CEO of fortune five hundred company. In short, Lydia was a boss. She was devoted to her work. She was knowledgable of her affairs. She was a loyal business woman. She had it all; what she didn't initially have was Christ, that was until Paul came around.

Acts: 16:14-15 "There was a woman there named Lydia from the city of Thyatira. Her job was selling purple cloth. She was a worshipper of the true God. Lydia was listening to Paul, and the Lord opened her heart to accept what Paul was saying. She and all the people living in her house were baptized.

Lydia is one many successful people can identify with: spiritual but "not all religious", in other words not saved. Like many she was so engrossed with being successful that she did not have time to commit to anything else even if that thing was Christ. Yet, once she did commit to Christ, everything about her life begin to change for the better:

Her faith grew.

Her heart grew.

Her business grew.

Acknowledging Christ as her savior made the difference for Lydia. She shared the love of Christ to others. She welcomed missionaries into her home, and hosted teachings on His word. She became more hospitable and excited about the things of Christ. She had what the word refers to as a fervent spirit, and what we now refer to as a "glow" -- As you serve the Lord, work hard, and don't be lazy. Be excited about serving Him. Romans 12:11. I'm sure we would all like to know about her business, right? Well to make it plain, with Christ as your "senior partner" there is no way you can fail. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Lydia's life was on track and things were beginning to take off for her in every aspect of life. Sounds pretty awesome!

As we embark on new endeavors it's so important to be sure that Christ is the center of everything that we do. We can not for one second afford to think that Christ is okay with us being quiet about our relationship with Him, because of what "corporate America" says. Is He not God? Would there be a corporate america, America, a continent, a world, a universe without Him? Don't be ashamed of Christ. Allow him to be the forefront of your career, and watch the doors open for you, and if some doors close, just know that His grace is sufficient, and He had great reason. Psalm 139 speaks of how high Christ's thoughts are, and how they are beyond our understanding. So while we're trying to map it out and figure things out He has it already worked it out. "All things work together for the good to them who love God and are called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28)

This week and forever more strive to implement Colossians 3:23 in your work life.

"In all the work you are given, do the best you can. Work as though you are working for the Lord, not earthly masters."

God equipped us to be successful women (and men), don't let anyone tell you otherwise. So go be great. You can do it. You have the manuscript to make it happen!
peace, love, & Christ
Carmen